struggle
verb (used without object)
to contend with an adversary or opposing force.
were struggling
-
past progressiveof struggle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the closures are worsening congestion when land crossings already were struggling to make up for lost waterborne shipping capacity and stem the rising cost of basic goods for Iranian consumers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
James worked his way into the postseason rotation last season while the Lakers were struggling with injuries to their backcourt.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
The chair of Jersey Fundraising Forum, Bethany Gallichan, said she understood some people were struggling, but added any money left in wills could be "transformational".
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
In 2025, the United Nations warned that 17 million Yemenis were struggling to eat and a further million faced extreme hunger.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
The dogs were struggling against the current, their heads up and silent.
From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell
